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James Mahoney believed in living life to the fullest. 

He was homecoming king in high school. He played football at St. John’s University. He served two tours in Vietnam. He worked in manufacturing and executive leadership, including stints at several well known Minnesota-based companies like 3M and Rollerblade. 

“His work ethic started at a very early age,” said his daughter, Peggy Mahoney Plohg. “Who he was innately really blossomed from that.” 

That work ethic was surpassed only by his sense of adventure. 

For his 80th birthday, he camped for seven days with his three children (Peggy and brothers Patrick and Michael) rafting down the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon. They slept under the stars, without a tent, in 115-degree heat.

And while the kids had doubts at the time, their dad was all in.

“The only trepidation was by his kids, not by him,” Mahoney Plohg said.

No one knew it at the time, but it turned out to be Mahoney’s last adventure. 

“What a way to end that legacy,” Mahoney Plohg said.   

Click the audio player above to hear Mahoney Plohg’ memories of her father in this edition of Parting Thoughts.

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Morning Edition: Parting Thoughts

Cathy Wurzer

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Lukas Levin

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In all 83 years of his life, James Mahoney said serving his country is what made him proudest. 

Vietnam veteran dedicated his life to service of others and adventures with family 

A man sitting in a chair holds a birthday cake, smiling.

Courtesy of Peggy Mahoney Plohg

A family poses for a photo near a bench under a tree.

Vietnam veteran dedicated his life to service of others and adventures with family

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